Olivia Johnston

Olivia Johnston has a diverse background in marine ecology and environmental science. Olivia has experience working at various organizations, including the Cawthron Institute, Ministry of Fisheries, National Institute of Water & Atmospheric Research Limited (NIWA), Institute for Cancer Research (ICR), University of Canterbury, and Kingett Mitchell and Associates Ltd.

At the Cawthron Institute, Olivia worked as a Marine Ecologist and Environmental Scientist. Olivia'srole focused on conducting research and providing expertise in marine ecology.

Olivia also worked as a Fisheries Observer at the Ministry of Fisheries, where they gained experience in the fishing industry and marine science through consistent work on ocean-going commercial fishing vessels.

During their time at NIWA, Olivia held two roles. As a Marine Ecology and Biosecurity Technician, they participated in sea voyages, performed laboratory experiments, and assisted with biosecurity research. In their second role, they were involved in initiating and undertaking biosecurity and surveillance based fieldwork.

Olivia worked at the Institute for Cancer Research as a Scientific Officer, where they contributed to a large-scale cohort study on breast cancer risk factors and prevention. Olivia'stasks involved investigating the relationship between environmental, hormonal, genetic factors, and breast cancer risk.

At the University of Canterbury, Olivia served as a Laboratory Technician and Research Assistant, conducting detailed community analysis on marine invasive bivalves.

Olivia also gained experience as a Research Assistant at Kingett Mitchell and Associates Ltd, where they conducted investigations on the effects of wastewater outfall pipes to the coastal environments and assessed the local biological resources associated with aquaculture ventures.

At Environment Canterbury, Olivia worked as an Environmental Quality Scientist, contributing to the development and implementation of an intertidal sampling program to assess the health and state of the Akaroa Harbour environment.

Additionally, Olivia volunteered as a Research Assistant at NIWA, participating in surveys of marine organisms in ports and harbors to establish a baseline for native and introduced species.

Overall, Olivia Johnston has a strong background in marine ecology, biosecurity, fieldwork, laboratory experiments, and community analysis. Olivia has experience in various research and environmental consulting roles, contributing to important studies and projects.

Olivia Johnston completed their MSc in Marine Ecology from the University of Canterbury, where they studied from 2000 to 2005. Prior to that, they attended Marlborough Girls College, although no specific degree or field of study is mentioned. In addition to their formal education, Olivia has obtained several certifications. In 1997, they received a Radiotelephone Operator's Certificate from MNZ and a Surf Life Guard Award from SLSNZ. In 1998, they completed a Skin Diving Course from PADI. In 2008, they took the Ken Sibley Two Day 4WD Course. Olivia also obtained certificates from Nelson Maritime School, including "Identify common parts, fittings and equipment of a vessel - Level 2" in 2009 and "Abandon ship procedures and sea survival techniques - Level 3" in 2009. Olivia further enhanced their skills by completing an Open Water Dive Course from PADI in 2010 and a Basic Offshore Safety Induction and Emergency Training from M & O Pacific Ltd in 2013. Finally, they acquired a Work Place 1st Aid Course certification from the Red Cross in an unspecified year.